SME Growth Watch 2017-2018
from Hampshire Trust Bank

As a specialist bank focused on supporting UK small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), we recognise that this is a challenging time for our customers.

We commission this research with the Centre for Economic and Business Research (Cebr) on an annual basis so we can identify the growth trends of UK SMEs - the powerhouse of the economy and better support the businesses in the sectors in which we operate.

This year we will be releasing the findings in two parts. Part one focuses on the contributions SMEs in the top 10 cities are making to the economy and current business confidence levels. Part two will delve deeper by identifying the sectors that are driving this growth.

Our SME Growth Watch report shows that smaller businesses are forecast to grow their economic contribution significantly over the longer-term, which is positive news and serves as a critical reminder of the important role these businesses play in ensuring the future success of the UK economy.